Learning to play a musical instrument is great for kids. It supports healthy development and teaches skills like discipline, mathematics, and more. However, just like anything else, there is another side to the story. Certain instruments can increase oral health risks! This blog post explores what those risks are and how you can protect your child’s smile.
Bacterial Growth
If your child plays a wind instrument, bacteria and saliva can easily collect on the mouthpiece. In turn, those accumulations may increase the risk of a range of illnesses.
To prevent issues, make sure your child knows how to properly clean their instrument and how often they should do so. Ideally, they should clean the mouthpiece after each use and do a deeper clean periodically. Their band teacher or another qualified person can help them build good habits and use effective cleaning techniques.
Lip and Tooth Trauma
Some instruments require the user to hold their lips forcefully against the mouthpiece. Prolonged or improper use could cause sores or tooth damage. The risk may be especially high for kids with braces.
If your child complains of discomfort to their oral tissues, you might consider getting an acrylic guard for their instrument. Of course, they should also be sure to use proper technique. This can vary by instrument, so your child might have to speak to their band teacher or someone else with the needed experience.
Head and Neck Issues
Even if your child’s instrument never touches their mouth, it could still cause problems. Certain instruments, like violins and violas, require the head, neck, and chin to be placed in positions that are not normal for them. Playing an instrument for hours on end could cause trauma to the head and neck. Your child might also develop symptoms of TMJ disorder or bite alignment issues.
As your child learns how to properly hold their instrument, the risk of problems will likely be reduced. You should also make sure that their instrument fits them well; in some cases, certain parts can be adjusted or replaced to make them easier to hold. Let your child take breaks while they are practicing, and talk to their doctor if they start to complain of ongoing pain.
Musical instruments are wonderful, but it is important to be realistic about the issues that might come with them. Learn about your child’s instrument and encourage good habits so you can minimize the risk of problems.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Mina Schafft is a member of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and has been in practice for more than 15 years. She loves working with kids and their parents as they navigate different chapters of life. If your child is new to their band instrument, Dr. Schafft and our team would be happy to provide guidance and support. Contact our office in Worcester at 508-290-0090.